Job Discussion Forums

[Canehdian]

After a full year of preparing and applying for international ESL jobs from my home in Canada, and countless frusterations and dead-ends in the job search, I now have two offers that (seem) great, and are entirely different: one in the Czech, and one in Japan. The main consideration is that I am completely new to teaching AND travel to foreign countries. I have gathered lots of secondary knowledge of what I'm in for (I've used that "search" function on every topic of interest...among other sources), but I have no experience aside from ALTing with adults in Canada.

***The Czech. position is full-time, with school-aged kids ages 11-19 (split between elementary classes and "secondary technical school" English classes of 15 students "max."); it's got incredible-sounding compensation like airfare (there), private apartment rent-and-utility free, health insurance, and...on a personal note: living near(-ish) my sister in Switzerland. (Yes, I remember all about the sketchy-factor in most schools that hire overseas. Is this too good to be true? The two schools are about ten minutes (walking) apart, in an "Ostrov"(?) in West Bohemia, 12 km from Karlovy Vary. Red flags? Anyone?)
***The Japan position is at a conversation school full-time, working with everyone from really young kids to adults, 6-person groups max.; they provide a week of teacher training AND cultural "orientation" when you arrive; provide an apartment and take care of start-up costs (you just pay monthly rent and utilities); you adapt lesson plans from curriculum texts. (It's biggest drawback: Japan is notoriously expensive.)

Does anyone have any experience working in Japan AND the Czech., and feel like doing some good ol' comparing and contrasting? Even if you don't know about Japan, can you give me any insight into what life will be like, working in that area of the Czech, with those age groups? It's hard because I am equally interested in living and working in both of these countries. The only question is what would be the best move, with my lack of experience. I seriously can't make an easy decision, and I'm not asking you to make it for me, but any on-site insight would be muchly appreciated!

[john_n_carolina]

...what are the monthly salaries for both positions?

[ecocks]

Karlovy Vary is sorta' nice. Resort town, spas and hot springs - pretty classy when you want it to be, provincial and homey when you are into just living your life. Sounds like a nice gig except maybe if the children are out of control (eltie syndroome or something). Just "my 2 cents worth" as we say.

[spiral78]

I'd ask some intensive questions regarding this provided housing.

Some years ago, I interviewed in Karlovy Vary for a position that sounds remarkably similar. The 'apartment' was, in fact, a room + bath in the school dormitory, specially equipped with a tiny refrigerator and hot plate. Keys had to be deposited with the dorm manager when you were out.

However, second ecocks' post - K.V. is a very nice area.

I would think that this school is hiring from abroad because of it's relatively remote location - it's probably not a scam, in this case.

Speaking of which, one other useful question occurs to me:
You might also want to ask about travel connections (bus/train service). I think you'll be looking at bus only - it's ok, but not ideal. Ask how long it takes to get to Prague - not that you will necessarily want to go there frequently, but just as a yardstick, so that you'll know how limited your travel opps may be in general.

[spiral78]

As for ecocks' mention of elitism - you might also ask whether the children are all Czech. They may actually be part or wholly Russian - in which case the elitism factor could soar. The town has a long history of being a Russian tax shelter, hideout, and investment target, and those guys generally are the economically elite...
I recall that, in off-season months, you actually needed Russian more than Czech in KV.

[Canehdian]

Thanks for the quick replies! That's exactly the sort of info. I need: resort town elitism, chance of bus-only transport, possibility that dorm room is "paid, private housing" (I planned to ask them for details, but wouldn't expect anything like that!)...I definatly wouldn't think to ask if the students were Russian. Good to hear it's just remote location and nothing sinister. Excellent two-cents, everyone! If anyone has anymore, I'd love to get enough for a dollar, someday... (Okay, sorry. Couldn't resist.)

Oh and Johninmaine, both saleries are typical for English teachers. I know it would look ridiculous comparing the converted thousands of dollars figure of Japan with the three-digit-dollar-figure of the Czech...but factoring in HIGH living costs in Japan they really are about the same.

[spiral78]

Actually - one more detail that might be pretty important in your daily life - 12 ks from KV? So, what opps for socialization are there in the (very small) town (or village) where you will actually be living?

You may well be facing bus travel only to KV - and your only chance of regular contact with some human/s who can speak any level of English other than your students.

Does this school employ other native speakers? Are you the only one? How's your Czech?

The guy who had the KV position I interviewed for the year before recommended that I not take the job. He was ok with the dorm room and was really into the surroundings, and pretty easy-going in general. But, he said that in off-seasons, there were a total of three native English speakers living in the area, and he (unfortunately) didn't really enjoy the other two (alchoholism played a part).

Try to find out how isolated you would be, socially. I'm a loner myself, but with a language barrier in addition to very few opps for normal socialization, it can be tough.

This is certainly why this school is advertising from abroad - it may be FINE - or it could be a rather monastic year. Try to find out as much as you can about both the surroundings and what kind of support systems you can expect, realistically.

[ITTP]

Karlovy Vary is a charming spa town and also has a healthy international feel to it. OK, there are a lot of Russians living/staying there but there are also Germans too and other nationalities which give it the international edge.
I do know that schools find it difficult to recruit for teaching jobs in and around Karlovy Vary which is probably why the advert you replied to was published abroad.
I do know that in the Karlovy Vary area there are some equally charming villages (such as Loket), but also some extremely run-down and depressing villages so I would suggest perhaps requesting some photos of the village and accommodation in advance before you make your final decision.
Karlovy Vary is a relaxing joint but lacks a real night life so, as Spiral wrote, Prague will probably be your nearest night life fix for those times when the local pub misses the spot.
In general I like both the Czechs and the Japanese.
I like the Czechs for their hospitality and curiosity and I like the Japanese for their high levels of mutual respect and for their quirky habits and customs.
Japan is a VERY different country than Czech Republic so I would recommend also going on the Japanese forum pages to dig for further info.
Maybe the best thing to do would be to publish the details of the school offering you the position and we can all take a look for you to check its credibility.
Hezky den!

[Sigma]

Here is a link to some information on Ostrov. It has a population of 17,000. Learning and knowning Czech will be important, especially since it is such a small town. I live in a town here in the Czech Republic of around 40,000. As far as I was told, there are only two other English native speakers living here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrov_(Karlovy_Vary_District)

Official website.

http://www.ostrov.cz/ (in Czech)

[spiral78]

Extensive examples of socially-realistic apartment blocks
Now we know why this particular small town doesn't really draw tourists.

Ok, they're lacking in charm on the outside, but in their favor, I have to say that the insides of the flats in them can be quite nice, depending on whether they've been renovated. They're usually light and bright, and relatively warm. And it's often fairly easy to keep up with whatever the Joneses next door are up to, if you're into that.

[Sigma]

More information about Ostrov...

http://www.historickyostrov.cz/omp/index_uk.php?id=11

[Canehdian]

Thanks so much! You've been very helpful with your replies. And those websites are certainly inSIGHTful , and great for providing a view. (I guess it's true, Wikipedia really does have something on just about everything.)

I assume that most of you teach in Prague, but as far as these small towns go, how friendly/open are they to foreigners? I woudn't mind being forced to learn the language in a smaller community, but will people want to talk, once I do? Also, someone on the Japan forum said that typical teenage Japanese ESL students tend to be shy and reserved in the classroom, which can be an extra hurdle for new teachers. I've heard a few stories about the..."relaxed" European-student mindset. Would you say teaching teenagers there is very/any different from North America?

[spiral78]

Teenagers will likely be more respectful and polite in the CR than North American ones, though the culture is changing somewhat (for the worse, obviously ) with more instances of drug use and skinhead behaviors and etc...
I have a bit of experience with both Czech and Japanese teenagers and prefer Czech ones, as they respond more readily.

On the question of socialization, Czech adults tend to be a bit reserved. Once you do make friends, they are the best, but they're not outgoing in general. I think you're male - and this can make things a bit easier, as you're more likely to be invited for a beer than a woman would be.

Once you have a bit of functional Czech, people usually are appreciative of the fact that you've worked to learn the language, and respond mostly positively in doing business, but learning Czech to the level of having more than basic conversations takes a LOT of time and energy - more than you are likely to have in year one, at least. You'll need to concentrate on finding adults who want to practice their English for free over a beer to really get much in the way of socialization, most likely.

[Canehdian]

I know it's all but impossible to tell on these boards, but I'm actually female. Good to hear the word "respectful" used to describe Czech. teenagers. I just wondered, coming in with little teaching experience, because it seems like those age groups are more prone to challenge a teacher's authority--atleast over here. I've worked with youth in group settings for several years now, and have witnessed a few "there's only one of you against ALL of us" situations. But those ages can be really great, too, especially if you can get them interested in a subject.

Okay, I thought about it and could use feedback about the salary. I said before it's about the normal amount, but it is lower than the figures people have posted recently on other threads. I assumed that was because the accomodations and utilities will be paid, but I'd like to know for sure. They offer 15,000 (Czech.) after taxes. And it looks like "normal" is supposed to be 17,000 to uh...okay, I can't remember the upper amount, now. I don't have a huge debt to pay, but I do hope to save SOMEthing, and travel (even if just to Switzerland once). Is that possible, especially if I'm living in a small town?

[Sigma]

You shouldn't have any problems saving money if your accomodation is paid for and if they are offering around 15,000kc after taxes. I'm currently teaching in a small city (40,000) in the Czech Republic and my rent is free (although I pay utilities). So far I'm doing well, and I am able to save a lot of my salary. Don't forget, you might be able to pick up a few private lessons.

With regards to teenagers. I only work with one class of students who are 14 years and older. I've been teaching them for about four or five months, and they are still very shy. I think this is changing though, as they seem to be getting a little more comfortable.

I've found people to be friendly where I live. I had a decent background with the Czech language before I came, which has helped. It can be difficult to meet people though. I was lucky because I knew a few people in the area before I came. Currently I'm volunteering at a retirement home, because I want to get more involved with the community and meet people.